Event listings are FREE of charge. Send your flyers/info to Dawn at dawnarne@ebci-nsn.gov or to Cherokeeonefeather1966@gmail.com
Benefits/Fundraisers
Turkey Shoots at the Jesse Welch Turkey Shoot Facility in Kolanvyi (Big Cove) in Cherokee, N.C. Good fun, great prizes, great benefits.
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- Nov. 22 at 3 p.m., sponsored by Jabba and Jack Smoker
- Dec. 6 at 3 p.m., for Jesse Welch Jr. and family
- Dec. 13 at 3 p.m., fundraiser for Rez Heat travel league basketball team
Brothers in the Wind Indian Dinner Fundraiser. Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Pam Taylor Painttown Gym 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. All proceeds go to Christmas gifts for Cherokee Elementary School Students. Dinner includes: fried chicken, pintos & hominy, fried potatoes, fried cabbage & bean bread, and a drink. To Place an order call (828) 399-0130 – Ned or (828) 508-3221 – George.
EBCI Community Events
Native American Heritage Month Celebration. Nov. 17 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Snowbird Community Library 60 Snowbird School Road Robbinsville, NC 2877. Fun night of reading, crafts, and food all centered around Kevin Noble Mallard’s book, Fry bread: A Native American Story. Hinigoliya participants can earn extra points attending.
Elk Count. Nov. 17 and 18 count times 6 a.m.- 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.. Cherokee Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Help us find elk that most folks might miss, single or small groups on or near Cherokee lands. Post your counts in the comments and or messenger. https://www.facebook.com/ebcifw .
Indigenous Movie Night. Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. In the Shared Community room at Cornsilk Complex 60 Snowbird School Rd., Robbinsville, NC. 28771. Drinks and popcorn will be provided.
Mother’s Gathering. Nov. 18 from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.at Cherokee Choices Conference Room 810 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Looking for Mom’s support group? Interested in connecting with a doula? Topic: Baby Wearing. Dinner, support and knowledge sharing. Contact: Kristina_hyatt@centerfornativehealth.org
Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health Symposium. Nov. 19 and 20 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harrahs Cherokee Casino 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Follow link to register https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/yP4LkjLAHB
Brothers & Sisters Like These, Reading. Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at the University Center at Western Carolina University, Memorial Dr., Cullowhee, NC. 28723. Warren Dupree of the American Legion Steve Youngdeer Post #143.
MANNA Foodbank Nov. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Wolftown Gym 27 Long Branch Rd. Cherokee, N.C. Free grocery staples, produce and other perishables. For more information contact Megan Stamper (828) 359-6934.
Turkey Strut 5K. Nov. 22 at Kituwah. Registration starts at 11 a.m. Race begins at 12 p.m. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness. $15 early sign-up. Price increases to $20 after Nov. 2. To register online, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/BrysonCity/Cherokee5KTurkeyStrut Info: Yolanda Saunooke (828) 359-6784 or yolasaun@ebci-nsn.gov
Big Y Turkey Bingo. Nov. 22 starting 5:30 p.m. at 2641 Wrights Creek Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719
Free Spaghetti Dinner. Nov. 24 starting at 5 p.m. at the Painttown Community Building 59 Magnolia Ln, Whittier., NC 28789. If you or someone you know could use a warm meal, come enjoy homemade spaghetti, fellowship and community. All are welcome.
Tsalagi Aniwonisgi Didanvdadisdi (Cherokee Speakers Memorial Day) event. Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Kalvgviditsa Tsalagi Aniwonisgi Tsunatsohisdihi (Cherokee Speakers Place) in Cherokee, N.C. This ceremony will honor the lives of the first language Cherokee speakers who passed in 2025. There will be remarks, flag presentation, and a Memorial bell ringing. Refreshments will be served after the event. Info: Kayla Pheasant (828) 359-6404, kaylphea@ebci-nsn.gov, or Scarlett guy a scarguy@ebci-nsn.go
Gadugi Fest. Nov. 25 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Yellowhill Activity Center 1416 Acquoni Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719 Presented by the EBCI Community and RezHope.
Big Y Thanksgiving Dinner. Nov. 27 starting at 12 p.m. at Big Y Gym 2641 Wrights Creek Rd, Cherokee. NC. 28719. Bring a side dish or dessert. All are welcome, come join us.
Christmas Bazaar. Dec 2 and 3 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Center 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. Dec. 2 will have Indian dinners, Dec. 3 will have Indian tacos. Meet Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus both days. Presented by Brothers In The Wind. To reserve a table call Lisa (828) 788-1708.
Christmas Bazaar, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Pam Taylor Painttown Gym 10 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Indian dinners starting at 11am $15. Sponsored by NAIWA, for tables contact Lucille Wolfe at (828)736-5285
Cherokee History & Stories with Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI) Museum of the Cherokee People TJ Holland Education Room, December 7, 3pm. Storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI) offers an accessible lecture on Cherokee history. Topics vary monthly.
Cherokee Christmas Bazaar.Dec. 12 and 13 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Yellowhill Community Activity Building 1416 Acquoni Rd Cherokee, NC. 28719. Enjoy Christmas shopping with multiple vendors. Contact Angie Garcia (828) 778-4585.
Tsalagi Magical Christmas Parade. Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., Downtown Cherokee, Cherokee, NC. 28719. For more information contact the Cherokee Welcome Center (828)359-6491 or email chriswatt@ebci-nsn.gov
Ollie Bird Descendants Family Dinner. Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church Upper Room, 129 Old Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. RSVP (828) 788-5563
Post #143 Meeting and Christmas Dinner. Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at the Peaches Squirrel Sports and recreation Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd, Cherokee, NC. 28719. Santa & Mrs. Clause will be onsite to visit with the Post and Bring Joy.
Cherokee Cultural/Historic Events
Cornshusk Christmas Tree Topper Workshop. Nov. 22 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Casa Kawi Coffee Shop at 1655 Acquoni Rd Cherokee, N.C. Learn to make heirloom cornhusk dolls. For Adults. $60 cost. Limited to 20 participants. Contact Laura Walkingstick (828)707-6122 or email Rezdogartstudio@gmail.com
Cherokee History & Stories with Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI). Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Museum of the Cherokee People TJ Holland Education Room in Cherokee, N.C. Storyteller and historian Kathi Littlejohn (EBCI) offers an accessible lecture on Cherokee history. Topics vary monthly.
Quallatown Makers. Will update as new dates are provided. Quallatown Makers is a free opportunity to gather as a group and be together while working on art. The goal of this group, organized and hosted by Museum of the Cherokee People, is to perpetuate Cherokee art and knowledge-sharing. Bring your own craft; all artforms are welcome. Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks. Can follow the group on Facebook.
Cherokee Winter Social. Jan. 31, 2026 at the Peaches Squirrel Sports & Rec. Complex 1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee, NC. 28719. MC: Catcuce Tiger. Everyone Welcome! Traditional Dress & Ribbon Shirts/ Skirts encouraged. All Cherokee Singers welcome, bring your rattles & drums. Food provided by Nikki’s Frybread.
EBCI Community Regular Meetings
NAIWA (North American Indian Women’s Association, Inc.) Cherokee Chapter meets the second Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the West Senior Center in Cherokee, N.C. Eligibility for membership: any American Indian or Alaska Native or Canadian First Nations woman, 18 years of age or older, who is officially identified as a member of a federally recognized Indian Tribe/Nation. The meetings contain information on purpose and further aims. All who meet the eligibility are invited to attend.
NAIWA Daughters meetings. Each meeting is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Qualla Java in Cherokee, N.C. Meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10 and Sept. 14.
Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) Meetings
(All meetings are held in the Cherokee Tribal Council House in Cherokee, N.C. unless otherwise noted.)
Lands Committee. Nov. 13 at 9 a.m.
Parks & Rec. Committee. Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.
Roads Commission. Nov. 17 at 9 a.m.
Timber Committee. Nov. 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Planning Board. Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
Work session on Tabled Res. No. 10 (Noquisi Initiative). Nov. 19 at 9 a.m.
Work session on Tabled Ord. No. 6 (Ordinance amending Judicial Code). Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 17 (TERO Certification). Nov. 19 at 11 a.m.
Qualla Housing Committee. Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m.
Confirmation Hearing for Tagan Crowe to the Qualla Enterprises, LLC Board of Directors. Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Ord. No. 39 (Establishment of a Fire and Rescue Commission). Nov. 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 27 (Requirement for Executive and Dinilawigi to provide reports). Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 28 (Weighted Vote). Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.
Work Session on Tabled Res. No. 30 (Transparency in Tribal Government, Legistar). Dec. 16 at 11 a.m.
Work Session on Beloved Women. Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.
Pow Wow Listings
Carolina Good Medicine Pow Wow. Nov. 21-23 at Camp Ho Non Wah in Wadmalaw Island, S.C. MC: Chris Bryant. Head Southern Singer: Homer Dearmin. Info: James Barton (843) 557-7038, chairmain@carolinagoodmedicine.org
Poarch Creek Indians 53rd Annual Thanksgiving Pow Wow, Nov. 27 – 28, 6477 Jack Spring Rd., Atmore, Al. 36502.Emcee: Marty Thurman A.D: Daniel Tramper Host Northern Drum: Blackstone Host Southern Drum: Southern Thunder Host Local Drum: Medicine Tail. Info: eventstaff@pci-nsn.gov or (251)368-9136 ext 2052.
Pechanga Pow Wow, Jan. 9-11, 2026, Pechanga Resort Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temacula, CA. 92592. Emcees: Bart Powaukee, Howie Thomson. Invited Drums: Eyabay, Ho Chunk Station, Leading Arrow, Meskwaki Nation, Omaha Whitetail, Sizzortail, Whitefish Jr., Wild Rose. Info: powwow@pechanga.com or call 888-PECHANGA
Seminole Tribal Fair and Pow Wow, Jan. 30 – 31, 2026, at Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl. 33314. Emcees: Juaquin Hamilton, Ruben Little Head. Pow wow Info: Eugenia Osceola (954) 594-2992 or Rochelle Osceola (954) 805-1623.
Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Analenisgi. Info: www.AAwnc80.com
Celebrate Recovery meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 812 Tsalagi Road, in Cherokee, N.C. This is a Christ-centered recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, hang-ups, and habits of any kind. All are welcome. Info: Chris McMillan (828) 788-5410
Cherokee Cancer Support Group, potluck dinner with a speaker the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Betty’s Place, 40 Goose Creek Rd, Cherokee, N.C. Anyone is welcome to attend the potluck. The group provides educational and emotional support to clients and families of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members with cancer. The group can provide financial assistance for fuel, lodging, and transportation and also can assist with mastectomy items, nutritional supplements, wigs, and related products. The group can volunteer to take a client to their appointment if it is requested in a timely manner. Betty’s Place is open Monday through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: (828) 497-0788
Life@WesternCarolina. each Wednesday morning during the academic school year the Life@ group meets on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C. For those over the age of 50 and looking for ways to engage with the community. To learn more or register visit life.wcu.edu or contact Western Carolina University Educational Outreach (828) 227-7397.
MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous) meets Thursdays at 5 p.m. in the Rivercane Room at Analenisgi. Info: Analenisgi (828) 497-9163 or visit: https://cherokeehospital.org/locations/analenisgi
Narcotics Anonymous meets on Mondays at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Info: North Carolina NA Helpline (855) 227-6272, or www.NA.org
Western N.C. and Beyond Events
Lunch and Learn: Navigating Menopause. Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Easton Board Room Harris Regional Hospital. The session, led by Anne Karner, CNM with Harris Women’s Care, will focus on navigating menopause: what it is, the changes it brings, and ways to manage both the physical and emotional aspects of this natural stage in a woman’s life.
Water Color Wednesday. Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. Capture the beauty of fall through watercolor painting with Red Clay rangers! articipants will embark on a short walk and be given time to explore the world around them through art. Watercolors, brushes, paper, and clipboards will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own art supplies, as well. You MUST sign up in advance to participate. Call (423) 889-3249
Jackson County Republican Party monthly meeting. Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at party headquarters at 40 W. Sylva Shopping Area in Sylva, N.C. The person who brings the most first-time, new visitors (minimum of two) will receive a free hat or a raffle ticket.
Day After Thanksgiving Hike. Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. FREE, meet at the Visitor Center. Skip the stores and get outdoors! Join us for a tour of the historic Red Clay Council Grounds this Black Friday. Learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee at Red Clay in the 1830s while viewing our replica structures, the Eternal Flame Memorial, and the Blue Hole Spring. Call(423) 478-0339 to register for the event.
Asheville Anime Fest. Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Haywood park Hotel One Battery Park Ace., Asheville, NC. 2880. Asheville Anime-Fest is an anime collectors’ mecca convention located in the beautiful City of Asheville, North Carolina. Striving to be North Carolina’s best and truest anime convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time collector of anime, manga and pop culture items the promoter brings North Carolina an event that will satisfy all anime fandom! Information: www.ashevilleanimefest.com
Christmas at Red Clay. Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Red Clay State Historic Park 1140 Red Clay Park Rd SW., Cleveland, TN. 37311. There will be 4 tours to sign up for. Come enjoy a lantern-lit tour of the historic Red Clay Council Grounds, led by a living history guide from the 19th century. Learn about the Cherokees’ activities during the harsh winter months and the missionaries’ impacts on Cherokee life. Call (423) 889-3249 to register.